Transfer 101

The Basics

1. Steps to a Successful Transfer

1. Create an educational plan with a general counselor 2. Meet with a transfer counselor 3. Learn about the application process
4. Attend workshops/presentations 5. Meet with university representatives 6. Choose target universities and visit them

2. California University (CSU) and University of California (UC)

CSU System UC System
23 campuses  9 campuses
Minimum 2.0 GPA is required to apply

        **A higher minimum GPA is required for admission to popular campuses or majors.

 Minimum 2.4  GPA is required to apply

**A higher minimum GPA is required for admission to popular campuses or majors.

3. General Education Pattern:

CSU:

CSU-GE Breadth Certification Requirements 2024-2025
CSU-GE Breadth Certification Requirements for STEM 2024-2025 (Biology or Chemistry Major)

UC:

IGETC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum  2024-2025
IGETC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum  STEM 2024-2025 (Biology or Chemistry Major) 

4. The Golden Four: *CSU’s require all transfer students to complete the Golden Four prior to transferring

1. Oral Communication:

  • COMM-01, 04, 05                     
 3. Critical Thinking:  

  • ENGL-01C, 13, 13H
  • PHIL-10, 13, 13H
2. Written Communication:

  • ENGL-01A                               
 4. Math:  

  • CPSC-07
  • MATH-02, 02H, 03, 04A, 04AS, 04B, 04C, 06, 07, 08, 10, 10S, 11, 15, 20A, 22, 22S, 24, 24S, 25, 25S, 26, 26S, 26, 26S, 27
  • PSYC-05

5. Applying at a University / University Deadlines

University of California (UC)
  • Application Priority Filing Period:
When to start your TAP (transfer admissions planner): As soon as possible/on-going
When to apply for TAG (Transfer admissions guarantee): September 1st – 30th (Fall)

May 1st – May 31st (Winter/Spring)
When to begin your UC application: Website opens August 1st
When to submit your UC application (fall): You must submit between October 1st – December 2nd
When to submit your UC application (spring): You must submit application from July 1st – July 31st

Apply to UC at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions

California State University (CSU)
  • Application Priority Filing Period:
To begin studies during the following:  You MUST apply by:
Fall Semester/Quarter You must submit between October 1st – December 2nd
Spring Semester/Quarter August 1st – August 31st*
  • *Notice prior to applying, please check Cal State Apply  to see if campus and major are open.

6. Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)

California Community Colleges are now offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. These may include Associate in Arts (AA-T) or Associate in Science (AS-T) degrees. These degrees are designed to provide a clear pathway to as CSU major and baccalaureate degree. California Community College students who are awarded an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.

To view the most current list of Merced College Associate Degrees for Transfer and to find out which CSU campuses accept each degree, please go to http://www.icangotocollege.com.

Merced College list of Transfer Degrees:
  • To find out which California State Universities have a program that is similar to the ADT program you want to complete or have completed click here.